Chapter 162: Exchange Gifts

Across from Warner Studios, the Smoke House Restaurant beckoned.

Martin ordered his steak, his gaze drifting toward the stage where a young pianist played jazz. The lively music infused the atmosphere with relaxation.

On the opposite side of the table, Bruce flipped through his notebook and asked, "Now that we've settled on the time and location for the event, should we notify the tabloids and paparazzi?" Martin shifted his attention away from the stage and replied, "They're more interested in celebrity gossip than regular film and television news. I'll reach out to Anne once we've confirmed a date."

Considering the reputation and integrity of the media, Martin added thoughtfully, "We must ensure that our journalist friends stay with us. We have to maintain professionalism and avoid any unethical actions like deception or kidnapping."

Bruce, with a hint of mischief, probed, "Deception or kidnapping? Are you and Anne being truthful with each other?"

Martin reassured, "Absolutely. My feelings for Anne are as genuine as diamonds."

Bruce scratched his head, feeling that something was off about Martin's metaphor but couldn't quite put his finger on it.

The upbeat music continued, Martin's favorite kind. When the waiter brought the steak, Martin gestured toward the pianist onstage. "He's quite talented," he remarked.

The waiter shared a warm smile, "His name is Sebastian. He's a remarkable pianist."

Martin nodded and decided to send a bouquet of flowers to Sebastian while settling the bill.

After the next song, the waiter discreetly delivered the flowers, and Sebastian acknowledged Martin with a nod of gratitude.

Bruce, keeping an eye on the time, noted, "The timing of these publicity activities aligns well with the exposure schedule for both you and Anne."

Martin agreed, then his attention was diverted as Angelina Jolie and Louise entered the restaurant together.

When they approached, Martin rose to greet them, asking, "What brings you here?"

Louise playfully replied, "No one's treating us, so we thought we'd pay for ourselves."

Martin, somewhat disloyally, abandoned Bruce and offered, "Allow me to treat you to lunch."

Given that Julie had visited the set of "Alexander the Great" several times, she was already acquainted with Martin. She suggested, "Let's dine together."

The trio settled in a separate dining area and each placed an order.

Louise inquired about "Wanted," asking, "Any progress on 'Wanted'?"

Martin responded succinctly, "Not yet. The crew of 'The Hills Bave Eyes' is preparing for a publicity event, and I'm assisting with ideas."

He didn't want to overlook Julie, so he added, "With a superstar like Angelina in the cast, the media will rush to cover it."

Julie graciously responded, "I'm not really a superstar. Not many productions are bold enough to cast me as the lead actress."

Martin asked, "I heard you've done many action film?"

Julie's career was currently facing challenges. "My most successful film so far has been 'Tomb Raider,' but the reception for the second installment was average."

Martin praised her, "Lara Croft is a cool and charismatic character. She's loved by everyone around me."

Louise observed Martin's expression and suddenly recalled his discussion with "Wanted" screenwriter Brandt about rewriting the black female supporting character, Fox, from the comics into a white female assassin and cool girl.

Julie commented, "It's a shame there won't be a third installment."

Martin could tell that Julie had a penchant for action roles, but he refrained from commenting further. His standing in the industry wasn't enough to be convincing.

He let Louise handle the conversation.

As the meal arrived, Martin steered the discussion toward the topics of war and refugees, which had been highlighted in the media.

Julie had also noticed these issues and was drawn into the conversation, aligning her interests with these concerns.

With a shared topic of interest, Julie's impression of Martin evolved from slight admiration to a deeper appreciation by the end of the meal.

After paying the bill, Martin returned to the studio with Louise and Julie.

Julie departed for her promotional event.

Martin stepped into Louise's office.

Louise was curious, "Since when did you become concerned about Afghanistan and Iraq?"

Martin poured a glass of water and offered a tongue-in-cheek explanation, "Aren't these our universal values and democratic principles?"

Louise scoffed, "Americans don't believe that. Do people who have lost their homes believe it?"

Martin didn't delve into the topic, stating, "Who knows," before steering the conversation back to business. "I'd like to invite Jolie to play the role of Fox in 'Wanted.'"

Louise was skeptical, "Jolie's fees are quite high. She received $10 million for 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.'"

Martin believed that Jolie's salary might be negotiable, especially considering the release of "Alexander the Great" in December.

Hollywood actors' salaries were primarily determined by the performance of their last three films, with the most recent one being the most crucial.

Martin was well aware that for the success of "Wanted," Jolie's star power was indispensable. After "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," Jolie's career had skyrocketed, and she had become one of the few actresses in Hollywood who could carry a film's box office single-handedly.

Actresses like Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Cate Blanchett, and Meryl Streep, while incredibly talented, couldn't match Jolie's commercial appeal.

Martin made inquiries and learned that "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" was set to be released in May the following year.

Louise fixed her gaze on Martin and inquired, "What's on your mind? Sometimes, I can't decipher your thoughts."

Martin sported a cheerful smile and replied, "I'm just a pure soul, but you always seem to read me like an open book."

Louise adjusted her black-rimmed glasses thoughtfully, stating, "I often wonder if the person I see is truly you."

Martin jokingly patted his chest and quipped, "Would you like me to dig out my heart and show it to you?"

Without missing a beat, Louise opened her desk drawer, retrieved a utility knife, placed it on the table, and gestured with a sly grin, "Please, be my guest."

Martin took the utility knife, extended it to its full length, revealing no blade, and chuckled, "I knew you wouldn't let me off the hook."

Louise tossed a box of blades to him, and Martin tucked it away in his pocket, as if his previous words had never been spoken. He shifted the conversation smoothly, saying, "Let's discuss this later. Even if we extend the invitation, Julie might not accept."

Understanding Julie's current situation, Louise noted, "She's facing financial difficulties, so she'll probably agree to the salary."

Seeing Louise reaching for the blades again, Martin quickly excused himself, stating, "I have something to attend to. We'll talk later. I'll visit your place another day."

Leaving the studio, Martin encountered Bruce and instructed, "Let's head to Paramount Studios. I'm going to meet my favorite, Annie."

Bruce, while starting the car, teased, "You have quite a few favorites. If they formed a 'favorites' alliance, would you get voted off?"

Martin responded with a straight face, "No, because you'd be there to protect me."

...

During the lunch break, Rachel logged into her personal MSN account and joined the fan group she had created some time ago.

Most of the most active users from Martin's blog had become members of Rachel's fan group.

She swiftly crafted an announcement, informing all members of an upcoming gathering between Martin and "The Hills Have Eyes" fans scheduled for the following Saturday in the Burbank Hotel Ballroom, where the first trailer of the film would be unveiled.

A male fan inquired, "Hey, will there be dinner too?"

Rachel remembered this user, a slightly overweight man, and replied, "The crew is offering a complimentary buffet, and there will be giveaways for everyone attending."

Another user chimed in, "Rachel, you're amazing for arranging such great treatment for us!"

Rachel responded with a smiling emoji, "Martin advocated for us. Originally, I planned for a regular dinner, but when Martin got wind of it, he actively sought support from the crew, and this event was born."

"Martin is the best!"

"Forever supporting Martin!"

Among a flurry of enthusiastic comments, a user named Phoebe asked, "Should we prepare a gift for Martin?"

Others joined the conversation, and various suggestions were made, including giving Martin a doll...

Phoebe turned to Rachel, seeking advice, "Rachel, have you been to Martin's events? Any suggestions?"

Rachel recollected the most special part, "Last time, Martin asked his supporters to write messages of encouragement for him, and he used them as motivation. By the way, Martin still remembers what I wrote to him. It made him very happy."

"That's great! Martin will always remember us!"

"More meaningful than pooling money to buy Martin watches and accessories. I'm sure Martin will appreciate it!"

A consensus was quickly reached.

...

In a Paramount Studios studio, the crew was on their lunch break.

Annie hurriedly made her way to the rest area, her mood notably elevated upon spotting Martin, who had brought yet another gift.

Laura commented from behind, "Martin always brings you gifts. I'm so jealous."

Anne wore a radiant smile, finding satisfaction in others' envy.

Recently, she had been inquiring through her agent, Maha, and learned that Martin had indeed established a new film studio, planning a comic book movie project called "Wanted." The project had posted a director recruitment notice with an expected budget of no less than $40 million.

Upon seeing the images from the recruitment notice, Anne knew she had found something special.

So, Anne had prepared her own gifts. "Laura, where are the items?"

Laura handed her a pink gift box.

The two of them proceeded to the rest area.

Martin himself adjusted a chair and even dusted it off with a teasing grin. "My princess, please have a seat."

Anne didn't sit down but instead moved the chair next to her closer to Martin, stating, "Sit next to me."

The two of them sat side by side, exuding affection and love—a perfect match.

Anne pulled out her gift first, took one of Martin's hands, and placed the gift within it. "Every time you visit, you bring something for me. This is my way of returning the favor. Don't you dare refuse."

Martin agreed with a warm smile. "Alright, I'll accept it." He asked, "May I open it?"

Anne nodded enthusiastically. "Of course."

Martin unwrapped the gift to find a pearl bracelet inside. He praised it, "It's absolutely beautiful."

Anne added, "I got it as a keepsake while filming 'The Princess Diaries.' It holds a special place in my heart."

"I adore it," Martin said as he put it on his wrist.

Having worked on many film sets and seen countless props and trinkets, he could easily discern that this was just an ordinary faux pearl bracelet, likely worth no more than a handful of change. Yet, Martin couldn't hide his enthusiasm, as he seemed utterly captivated by the goddess's gift-giving gesture. Smiling like an adoring puppy, he then handed Anne the gift box he had brought with him.